Book Launch: Zoraver and the Lost Gods

About the book:

The novel is set in the early decades of the twentieth century, in the run-up to the First World War. It follows Zoraver Ali Khan, a young archaeology student recruited by a shadowy department of the British Indian Government and sent criss-crossing the subcontinent. Along the way, he must decode ruins, navigate shifting allegiances, and confront a legacy he cannot escape. From London’s alleys to the sands of Harappa and the jungles of old Magadh, Zoraver encounters revolutionaries, spies, and secrets hidden in plain sight.

About the Program:

The program features a book discussion with the authors of Zoraver and the Lost Gods, in conversation with writer Anisha Lalvani, along with a short interactive gaming session conducted by Abeer Kapoor based on the book. Attendees will receive one complimentary cocktail and a selection of pass-around food items.

About Abeer Kapoor:

Abeer Kapoor is a game designer, author and founder of Civic Games Lab – a games-for-social-change studio. He and his team design and deploy participatory tools such as games, simulations and scenarios to tackle complex challenges in governance, sustainability, digitalisation and public health. He is the author of The Most Notorious Jailbreakers and a former German Chancellor Fellow. During the fellowship, he developed a curriculum on building game ecosystems in developing nations.

About Ujan Dutta:

Ujan Dutta is an illustrator and graphic designer based in New Delhi, currently consulting with United Nations Foundation and Teamwork Arts. He is the lead designer for the Jaipur Literature Festival and has worked on branding and production projects in India and abroad. His fine art work has been exhibited in New Delhi (2012 and 2019) and Shanghai (2018). With over ten years of experience, he has worked on several communication design projects including those for Per Artem Lumen in Hong Kong, The United Services Institute of India, Google, Penguin, Westland, Zubaan, Ishq FM, Dakshin Foundation, Outlook, Tinder-India, UNDP and Oxfam. His debut graphic novel ‘Zoraver and the Lost gods’, written by Abeer Kapoor, was published in September 2025 by Bloomsbury, India.

About Anisha Lalvani:

Anisha Lalvani is a writer and communications professional with extensive experience in publishing and literary projects, including the television programme Kitaabnama: Books and Beyond and the Jaipur Literature Festival. She currently works at a think tank focusing on the intersection of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. Her debut novel, Girls Who Stray, a coming-of-age thriller of literary fiction published by Bloomsbury India, was shortlisted for the Crossword Award for Best Fiction 2025 (Jury Category).